Wings of Blood

by Miranda Martin

  Okay, most of the time. Better there were arguments and varying points of view than a bunch of people who always agreed on every point, or just kissed Sven’s ass. That was part of the reason why Emberich had become the tyrant he’d been.

  “We must find Eli,” Sven said quietly in a lull. “The head of the beast is the most important to cut off.”

  “We can’t go after his whole flock. I doubt they all knew what Eli was doing—many of them are too attached to their own skins to take such a risk,” I added.

  I’d thought a lot about it. Eli’s flock was well off as a whole, accustomed to luxury and the finer things in life. Many, if not most of them, wouldn’t want to risk their cushy lives.

  Sven nodded. “They can appoint a new Chieftain in the meantime. Eli is stripped of his duties. That much we can agree on. We also need to compile a list of people missing from his flock so we know who else to watch for.”

  We hammered out some more details about what to do with Eli’s flock. There was no question about what to do with Eli should he be found.

  There was only one end that he would meet.

  “What about Adara’s blood?” Blaise asked as we were winding up. “Any indication of what they wanted it for?”

  I shook my head.

  “They didn’t tell us,” I said quietly. “Fearson was running some experiments on mice. To what end, I have no idea.” I took a deep breath and let it out. “The remaining vials of my blood had already been taken away when we checked. So they still have some, though how long the stuff stays viable after being drawn I have no idea.”

  Blaise sat back, looking troubled, as did everyone else in the room.

  “We can’t do anything about that right now. We’ll have to deal with whatever half-assed plan Eli has come up with either when he strikes, or when we find him,” Sven said tiredly, standing up. “If there are any more points to discuss, we’ll have to talk about them tomorrow. We have had a long journey and Adara has been through much.”

  I let out a silent sigh of relief as he helped me out of my chair. The others all murmured goodbyes, though they stayed seated as we left. I could hear them restarting the conversation after we were gone.

  “Do you think they’re gossiping about us in there?” I asked idly as we walked toward the private residential wing of the palace.

  “I really don’t care if they are or aren’t. As long as we don’t have to sit in on that meeting any longer.”

  We were so on the same page there.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  We finally got back into our bedroom.

  “Let us know if you go anywhere,” Igna said with a straight face.

  “Extenuating circumstances,” Sven responded.

  “We would have come with you,” Reelin told me.

  “And it would have put Siro’s life in danger,” I responded. “But I won’t do it again.”

  Reelin grunted and Amna nodded.

  Igna looked at Sven.

  “I won’t either,” he said. “Though you know why it happened this time.”

  Igna sighed. “Yes,” he agreed. “I would just ask that you try your best to allow us all to do our jobs. Both of you.” He looked at each of us. “We are all glad you are back safe.”

  Reelin and Amna murmured their agreement.

  “Thank you,” I murmured.

  Sven nodded at them. Then we stepped into the bedroom and he closed the door while the guards figured out which of them would stay.

  I let out a heartfelt sigh of relief.

  “Tired?” Sven asked, coming up behind me as I walked over to look out the doors that led out onto the balcony.

  “Yeah.” And happy to finally be alone.

  He wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me against his front, kissing my temple. “Well, we don’t have to see anyone we don’t want to for the rest of the night,” he murmured, nuzzling my ear. “I’ll even have dinner ordered in, if you want.”

  I turned around in his arms, resting my hands against his chest. “That sounds perfect.” I met his eyes as I slid my hands up to curl around his strong neck. “Did I thank you for saving my life?” I asked, half teasing, half serious.

  “We can call it even,” he said, a shadow of pain crossing his gaze.

  “All right,” I murmured, not wanting to dwell on the negative, not now that we were finally back.

  His hands slid down to close around my waist and he turned with me towards the bed.

  “Feeling sleepy already?” I asked, tongue in cheek. I could feel what was really going on against my front.

  He smiled as he pushed me gently back onto the bed. “I’m feeling something,” he agreed, pulling off his shirt. “And look. We’re finally alone. And you’re feeling better...”

  His hands went to his pants. I bit my lip as I watched him push them off his slim hips, leaving him dressed in nothing but a smile.

  He was very happy to see me.

  I sat up and reached out to grip his erection, wanting to feel it. He stiffened as I drew my hand up and down the hot length, then groaned as I leaned in and took the tip into my mouth.

  “Adara…”

  He slid his hand into my hair, resting it on my head but not pushing, using it as an anchor point.

  So I did what I wanted. I kissed, licked, and sucked at him until he was cursing under his breath, his hips thrusting slightly with my movements. I wrapped a hand around his base to control those thrusts, sucking even harder.

  “No,” Sven groaned, abruptly pulling out of my mouth. “I want to be inside you.”

  “Sounds like a good plan,” I agreed, my voice already breathy.

  Growling, he gripped the waist of my pants and yanked them down with my underwear. My top followed quickly thereafter.

  Impatient, I reached up to pull him down onto me, but he shook his head and knelt at the edge of the bed instead, pulling me down as well. “Let me return the favor first,” he murmured, skimming his hands up my inner thighs.

  My breath caught as he met my eyes. Then he lowered his head, his tongue coming out to flick at me. It was my turn to groan as I let my head fall back onto the bed It felt so good.

  So necessary.

  Sven pushed my legs farther apart, his shoulders keeping them there as he settled in. Licking. Sucking. Using his fingers to drive me wild.

  He took his time, like he could stay there forever.

  I wouldn’t complain.

  When he finally did raise his head, I was a limp mess on the bed, my body slick with sweat, my breath coming in gasps. He didn’t bother moving me as he came down on top of me, half on and half off the bed.

  We both moaned as his erection kissed my entrance, harder than ever.

  I opened my eyes as he started pushing. I was so wet that he glided into me with only a few thrusts, his jaw clenched, his cheeks flushed. His hot eyes met mine as he started thrusting harder, his hands gripping my hips to keep me in place.

  This was what we needed. This raw, hot connection, this reminder that we were still together. Still alive.

  I gave myself over to the moment, to the simplicity of it, to the push and pull of our bodies, the rising heat between us. The connection between us that was so much more than physical.

  Sven leaned over to kiss my breast, turning his head and laying his ear against my chest. Listening to my heartbeat.

  I slid my hands into his soft hair, lifting my legs to wrap them around his waist as he thrust into me faster, almost desperately now. I gave as good as I got, trying to get even closer, hold him even tighter.

  The orgasm was almost a surprise, hitting me hard and fast, a burst of pleasure that rushed through me in a hard cascade. I cried out, my fingers digging into Sven’s slick back.

  “Adara!” he moaned, thrusting deep into me, his body trembling as his own orgasm hit him just as hard, his breath harsh.

  Yes. This was what I wanted. I reveled in the sensations, the feeling of his skin against mine.

  We ca
me down slowly, our bodies still intertwined as Sven slowed his thrusts, his face pressed against the side of my own.

  I slid my hand up to cup his neck. He stirred, lifting his head.

  “We need to be on the bed,” he said huskily, his eyes sleepy and satisfied. He hauled us all the way up before pulling me in against him, sighing as we both relaxed fully.

  He pushed my hair back from my face, his eyes soft as they met mine. “Hey,” he whispered with a slight smile.

  “Hey,” I whispered back, smiling too.

  His faded, his gaze turned serious. “I’m really glad you’re mine.”

  My heart squeezed in my chest. “Ditto,” I murmured.

  He slid his hand down to grip my butt, pulling me in even closer. “I just wish life was a little more… boring.”

  I chuckled, nodding with my forehead against his shoulder. “Agreed.”

  Boring sounded amazing.

  There was a moment of silence where I thought he’d fallen asleep. I wasn’t that far off myself.

  “I love you, Adara,” he whispered.

  My grip on him tightened.

  “I love you too.”

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  I landed a little hard, but I was too excited to mind, even with twenty-five guards accompanying me.

  And Sven.

  After what happened last time, I wasn’t arguing against any level of security.

  After I changed and dressed, I went over to where Aaden was waiting for us, along with Siro and River.

  “Adara!” Siro called out excitedly, running forward to give me a tight hug.

  River simply nodded at me, a greeting I returned. It wasn’t an enthusiastic welcome, but he wasn’t glaring at me.

  Progress.

  “Oh, I know exactly the place I want to take you to have lunch! It has these amazing burgers and I know how much you love—”

  I laughed, waving at a bemused Aaden as I let Siro drag me away, Sven and the guards following in our wake with River sticking close. I didn’t blame him.

  When I’d gotten the message from Siro that her parents had finally accepted a visit—a supervised visit, but still a visit—I hadn’t even cared that one of them was going to be there. Not if it meant they’d let me see Siro.

  Maybe, with a few visits, they’d relax a little. Even if they didn’t, this was much more than I’d expected. Besides, it wasn’t terrible to have River there.

  When we went into the trendy, small restaurant, Sven and our guards were definitely more distracting than River sitting at a nearby table.

  “You have to order what I order,” Siro said, opening the menu. “It’s so good I asked for it for my birthday.”

  “That is good,” I agreed, sounding suitably impressed. “It smells amazing in here.”

  It really did. My mouth was already watering.

  “Yeah, it does, doesn’t it? This place used to serve vegan only, but then…”

  As Siro chatted on, her face happy and carefree, I felt myself relax, even though I had a ridiculous amount of eyes on me.

  Siro was all right.

  She was going to be all right.

  The kidnapping affected her, but it didn’t break her. I listened to her commentary and couldn’t have been more proud that I knew this, brave, intelligent, strong girl. She was, for all intents and purposes, my sister. It was the right decision to come visit, to brave her parents. I could feel it in my bones.

  I glanced over to see Sven talking to Igna, though he smiled at me when I looked over. It actually hadn’t been as hard of a sell as I’d expected.

  “Keeping you under guard in the palace is letting Eli win,” Sven had said grimly. “I don’t want you to be a prisoner. I want you to be happy.”

  It had about melted my heart.

  Even with the amount of people we’d brought with us.

  He was right about not staying in the palace. I would go crazy waiting for the other shoe to drop if I was just sequestered there.

  And I didn’t doubt it would.

  We hadn’t had any luck finding Eli so far, but I was sure we would hear from him soon.

  “Adara?”

  “Hmm?”

  “Food’s here,” Siro prodded, gesturing at the table.

  “Oh.” I looked down. “It looks great.”

  She grinned. “Take a bite!”

  Grabbing the thick burger, I did just that. My eyes widened at the flavor, the texture…

  “This is ridiculously good,” I said around my bite.

  “I know, right?” Siro remarked, looking just as blissful as I probably did while she took another bite. “Sometimes, it’s the little things in life that are the best,” she added, closing her eyes.

  That’s when I knew she was thinking of the plain fare we’d been fed while in the city dome.

  “True,” I agreed lightly, my eyes drifting over to Sven again.

  He saluted me as he took a bite of his own burger, rolling his eyes exaggeratedly in enjoyment. “There are some good big things too, though.” I grinned back at him.

  She saw where I was looking and smirked. “Big things, huh?” she said slyly.

  Shocked, I swiveled my head back to look at her.

  “Siro!” I exclaimed, choking a little on my burger.

  She just laughed, taking another bite.

  I shook my head, amusement making my lips curl. Life could be terrible. Painful. But sometimes…

  Sometimes, it was just perfect.

  I didn’t know what tomorrow would bring, but I was determined to enjoy this moment while it lasted. So I took another bite of that heavenly burger and soaked in the warm weight of Sven’s regard and Siro’s presence.

  Yes, this was just about perfect.

  WINGS OF BLOOD is the second novel in the Phoenix Wars series, part of the Dragons & Phoenixes universe. Sign up below to be notified as soon as Book Three is available!

  Keep reading for a smoking hot sneak peek of DRAGON’S BABY: RED PLANET DRAGONS OF TAJSS #1)

  Miranda Martin’s Email List Link

  Nadia Hunter’s Email List Link

  Red Hot Sneak Peek: Dragon’s Baby

  Red Planet Dragons of Tajss Book 1

  MIRANDA MARTIN

  & JUNO WELLS

  Blurb

  Not every alien is an enemy, even if he kidnaps you...

  Calista is happy with her life of scientific research. She doesn't need love, she has her books, her friends, and her work. Things are fine until her ship is attacked by space pirates and crash lands on a desert planet with heat so intense she and her friends can't survive without help.

  Ladon is a Zmaj warrior resigned to a life alone, who only desires to protect his treasures. His hopes for a mate faded long ago, yet when he meets Calista something stirs. It takes only one look to know that she belongs to him. He's been alone for so long but she is the ultimate treasure and he will protect her.

  Now there's only the small problem of her living long enough to understand.

  A devastated planet, a mysterious history, space pirates, and threats environmental and alien beset them on all sides. The sexy Zmaj warrior will have to battle the planet's ultimate threat in an epic effort to obtain the one thing he knows Calista needs to survive.

  But will the other humans accept this huge and alien looking dragon warrior? Or will they find him just as big a threat as the rest of the red planet? The future of both their races depends on it.

  CALISTA

  “Who are you?” I ask.

  His head cocks to one side then he opens his mouth and makes a sound that contains a lot of s sounds and a bit of hissing. I shake my head, not understanding, but it’s clear he’s intelligent and has a language. He waits for me to respond then repeats the same sounds again. I shake my head, frustrated.

  “I don’t understand,” I say, motioning with my hands like that will help.

  On board the ship we all spoke Galactic Common. Everyone does, though some old holdouts keep their native l
anguage too. No one in the galaxy doesn’t speak Common. Where the hell have we crashed that he doesn’t know it? Vulcan, right, well if only I’d been geek enough to learn to speak Vulcan. He doesn’t look like Spock though and I sure as hell ain’t Captain Kirk.

  He slides closer and as he does my stomach tightens and my pussy grows wet again. He’d been… examining me and he really is quite attractive. It’s wrong though, what the hell am I thinking, getting off on an alien? He pauses as if waiting for me to stop him then he reaches out and touches my thigh. His hand is so cool, a thrill runs along my nerves at his touch. It’s exciting and enticing and so damn wrong. I can’t do this. I pull back but the delay in my action seems to encourage him. He touches both my legs with his hands and traces a path along my thighs down from my knees to the sides of my hips. Electric chills race along to my spine then up to my core as he moves closer to my erogenous zones and moisture slides down my thighs.

  I shudder and he stops, looking into my eyes. He says something but who the hell knows what. This is nuts, insane even, I can’t let this man, this alien do this to me. I can’t but I don’t want him to stop. Desire is a pulsing need in the tight ball of my lower stomach and I want nothing more than to be pleasured. No matter how wrong it is.

  He runs his hands up and down my legs then up across my arms. I’m breathing in short gasps, my heart is racing, I shake my head side to side.

  “No,” I whisper. “No.”

  He doesn’t stop. His strong hands grip my knees and push down. I want to resist, I try, but I can’t. My legs straighten out leaving me exposed. I cross my arms over my breasts holding on to some level of modesty. His intense eyes bore into mine then he shifts his attention to between my legs as his fingers trail along my skin. He speaks again, and it ends with a soft hiss. Strong fingers knead the muscles of my calves then up past my knees onto my thighs. My legs part as he moves, almost like they have a will of their own. He’s in control and I can’t stop him. I should, I should want to, but it feels so good as he works up closer and closer to my sex.